News & Events

Contact Us:

Headlines

WLU

WLUFA requests No Board report on behalf of CAS; University eager to continue talks

Negotiations Update

Nov 7/13

The Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (WLUFA), which represents Contract Academic Staff (CAS), has asked the Ontario Ministry of Labour for a No Board report in the CAS contract negotiations with the University.

The University is keen to continue talks with the CAS and is committed to reaching a collective agreement that is in the best interests of students and the institution, and which takes into account the significant economic challenges affecting Laurier, the Ontario university sector and the broader public sector.

The University and WLUFA met with a provincially appointed conciliator on Oct. 23 and Nov. 4 to assist with the CAS negotiations. Although the University felt that progress was being made, WLUFA has asked the Ontario Ministry of Labour for a No Board report. WLUFA’s request means that CAS members will be in a legal strike position in approximately 20 days.

It is important to note that a No Board report is frequently requested in contract negotiations and often prompts mediation and an eventual settlement.

It is also important to note that this labour situation involves only Contract Academic Staff, not full-time faculty. At Laurier, there are two main employment categories for course instructors: full-time faculty, who are employed on a continuing basis or as limited-term appointments; and Contract Academic Staff, who are qualified instructors employed to teach individual courses on a term-by-term basis.

The University will communicate regularly so that in the event of a labour disruption involving CAS members, students will know what is happening regarding assignments, classes and schedules.

The University remains hopeful that a collective agreement will be reached through negotiations at the bargaining table.